Polar Bear

Polar bears are survival specialists in an extreme environment—the Arctic, where winter lasts six months and temperatures average -30ºF. Their large body size, layers of thick, hollow hair, and three to four inches of blubber provide insulation from the cold, in and out of the water. The bears’ streamlined shape, partially webbed forepaws, and buoyant layer of blubber help make them champion swimmers. The polar bear is a skillful predator of seals, with the help of a keen sense of smell, powerful paws, and sharp claws.

• Polar bears depend completely upon the sea for their existence, spending most of their time on the pack ice. 
• Nine-inch wide snowshoe-like paws spread the bear’s weight evenly over a large area, preventing it from sinking into the snow.
• Although polar bear hair may look white, it is actually clear. It only looks white because it reflects the sunlight.
• Underneath its large, shaggy coat, the polar bear’s skin is black, perhaps to attract the sun’s heat.

Save Energy, Save Polar Bears

The Cincinnati Zoo has partnered with Polar Bears International to become an Arctic Ambassador and increase awareness on how global warming is affecting these amazing creatures!

Polar bears depend on Arctic ice as a platform from which to hunt seals. As the planet’s temperatures rise, the ice melts earlier and refreezes later every year, shortening the polar bear’s hunting season. Many bears are not getting enough to eat and are unable to raise healthy cubs.

Rising temperatures are the result of burning fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas, which releases heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the air. We can beat the heat, and help out polar bears, by using less energy and reducing CO2 emissions. (You’ll save money on energy costs, too!) Learn more at Project Thermo-STAT.